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It’s far too early for me to be blogging — and far too early for any of you to be reading! You should be cozy in your bed with someone you love or with your fine little self, not out with all of this Black Friday nonsense. I guarantee people will be selling their stuff cheaper as the season wears on. It’s so silly to sacrifice beauty sleep to save $10. Think about how much your body will thank you for the rest after that marathon feast yesterday!
Regardless, I am up early and at the airport. I didn’t sleep a wink last night and my mom decided to wake me up late to get to SAN; what a disaster! Regardless, my luggage was under 50 lbs, my shuttle is booked and surprisingly, I’ve learned to own the foundation and mascara look. I heard a great quote this morning that made me realize I need to invest in something:

“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.” — Gwyneth Paltrow.

So I’m on the hunt for the perfect red. My mom got me this Target Red nail polish from L’Oreal — turns out they have a lipstick that is exactly the same! I might start there and see how red I can go.
The real reason for this post, though, is to show you this fabulous line called Church and State. One of my favorite blogs, Where The Lovely Things Are [isn’t the name darling?], had a post this morning on this cute little independent fashion line and their dresses are so dreamy. I feel like i could throw a trench on any of these and dance across the pages of Lula.

And speaking of Lula, I finally got my copy of Issue 9, and I still haven’t had a chance to look at it. I’ll have an update about that later. Now, for me to hop a jet plane back to the City That Knows How — as Stuart always says, the best part about leaving San Francisco is coming back to it. Get back to bed, beautiful! Lets get drinks later tonight.

Happy Thanksgiving, lovelies! I just wanted to drop in and wish you all a proper thanks, as well as a warm hug for coming by and reading my blog. I know there aren’t many of you, but soon I will be relaunching with a bigger and better than ever place to write with more content and more great things for you to read. I hope all of you are with your families, and if you’re not, that you’re with someone or something that means home to you. I cooked up a storm today with my dad and brother, and now i’m having pie and coffee and cigarettes with my mom. Perfect end to a great day. I usually am a bit more cynical and uninvolved with this holiday, but I thought I would make a small list of things and people in particular I am thankful for…

my mom and i!

My Family — They have been there for me through my many frustrating phases and have still managed to accept me for who I am. They taught me to never take anything for granted, and to always know what your next move will be. They instilled in me some of the prize-winning characteristics for my personality, and for that, I’m eternally grateful. Plus, they’re fucking nuts and I love that!

my badass roommates and i!

My Friends — Whether its my fantastic roommates, my Mission crew, my Workshop loves or any other, all of them are unique, beautiful, intelligent and completely captivating. I’m in awe of every single one of you and I’m extremely honored to be in your life.

the newsroom on any given tuesday.

Xpress Crew — You guys are some of the most talented journalists I know. It makes me very fortunate that I am riding on such a wave of talent and innovation. We’re going to change the industry together, and I’m humbled to be counted among you as the next wave of writers, photographers, producers and editors.

my fantastic sweet and savory salad.

Lose It!, Matt Props and Vegetarianism — This is going to sound cheesy, but if it wasn’t for the combination of these three things, I would not have dropped as much weight as I have in the past six months. I’ve turned into an advocate for better diets and new nutritionism, something that I hope to write about in the future. By using the app to count my calories, Matt teaching me about food and how to cook it and cutting meat out of my life, I have officially been able to drop 55 pounds and I’m still pushing for it. I’ve become healthier and a happier person because of it — I’m more confident and excited about my figure, and fashion is no longer a dream, but a reality!

I could think of countless other, materialistic things to be thankful for, but these things have really changed my life this year. I’ve realized if I don’t stop and think about how lucky I am, I forget what got me there in the first place. I feel its better for everyone to always take a minute to remember what made you who you are.

The photo of the week has to be this Lady Gaga spread from Vogue. I’m impressed that Anna Wintour has made such a bold move, but this seems relatively tame for the Lady. What do you think?

Refinery 29’s list of “9 Things Every Guy Should Buy And Wear” is a total keeper. I think if more dudes adhered to this simple dress code, we would have a lot more head turners around the City! I love the simple and chic basics that they use as an outline to create a wardrobe.

One of my favorite designers, Luella Bartley, lost her financial backing this week and it is unclear whether she will continue to produce her designs. Such a sad sign of hard financial times — I hope that someone as ingenius as she will be able to keep working.

A local designer, Micaela Greg, hits a high note at Shoptometrist. I love the use of pattern and draping on the skirts — this shape is becoming increasingly popular along with the crazy shoulder pad look. My roommate has a similarly draped skirt and I wanted to steal it off of her when I saw her leave the house this morning.

If I could ever be in love with a coat, Camilla Wellton has completely won my heart. I know that there is no way I could afford this without a loan and quitting college, but the amazingly beautiful and versatile design is drop-dead gorgeous. Functionality paired with elegance is always a huge head turner for me.

My life has been so exciting lately that I haven’t thought twice about updating any of you, and for that, I apologize.
I haven’t really been into blogging the past few weeks — I think posts here and at BAS.com reflect that, but I’m trying to kick my ass back into gear. I’m hoping to plan a redesign of this blog and relaunch it next year, maybe even with a new name.
To those of you who actually still read this blog from time to time, thank you. Your support has always been appreciated more than you know.
To the rest of the world, I’m looking to conquer you. Trust that it will happen sooner than later.

xoxoxo
Monica

PS: In my absence, I became even more obsessed with Lady Gaga. Either I’m trying desperately to hang on to youth or I’m going mainstream. Or maybe neither. Go ahead. Judge me.